Reduction of growth stresses in logs of Hieronyma alchorneoides Allemão from fast-growth plantations using steaming and heating: effects on the quality of lumber

Growth stresses are usually present in the fast-growing trees of forest plantations and can be evaluated along stem diameter. relaxed after tree felling during sawing drying, manifested lumber quality. Different methods have been employed to reduce effect growth stresses, such as steaming heating treatments. Excellent yield Hyeronima alchorneoides were observed, but they showed difficulties primary process a high incidence wood warping drying process. Steam heat treatments on log used study their effects H. sawlog evaluate Hieronyma Allemão growing under fast-growth conditions show negative quality (increased warps splits or checks). Therefore, applied these lumber. The main objective work was sawlogs from longitudinal surface stress. Twenty-six ready for third thinning sampled commercial logs measuring 2.5 m long extracted them at different heights. These investigate measured before treatment. Crooking due sawing, colour wards, checks measured. results that internal temperature approximately 85 °C treatment, it nearly 90 It resulted reduction 1500 ?? (micro-deformations) treatment 1000 crooking decreased significantly semi-logs. parameters colour, luminosity (L*), redness (a*) lightness (b*) heartwood while L* increased a* b* sapwood, which led decrease lumber, magnitude defects treated logs. As compared untreated logs, best performance obtained with followed by difference found between attributed part log, more than treatment; meanwhile, slightly lower (80–85 °C). glass transition easily reached